in vitro

adverb or adjective

in vi·​tro in-ˈvē-(ˌ)trō  -ˈvi- 

-ˈwē-

: outside the living body and in an artificial environment

Examples of in vitro in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In contrast, most prior research examined eggs that had been ripened artificially in vitro—a process which can often lead to eggs that behave unusually and are associated with poorer IVF outcomes. —Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025

In 1978: The world’s first in vitro fertilization baby, Louise Joy Brown, was born to parents Lesley and Peter Brown in Manchester, England. —Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 26 July 2025

Three-person in vitro fertilization (IVF), a new concept developed by scientists in New Castle, U.K., has resulted in the births of eight healthy children. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2025

Ultimately, their two-year fertility journey involved in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatments. —Jacqueline Weiss, People.com, 17 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, in glass

First Known Use

circa 1894, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in vitro

• dinitro
• nitro

Kids Definition

in vitro

adverb or adjective

in vi·​tro in-ˈvē-(ˌ)trō 

: outside the living body and in an artificial environment

an egg fertilized in vitro

Etymology

Latin, literally, "in glass"

Medical Definition

in vitro

adverb or adjective

in vi·​tro in-ˈvē-(ˌ)trō  -ˈvi- 

: outside the living body and in an artificial environment

growth of cells in vitro

in vitro studies